Somalia’s President Says Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Tied to Plans to Forcibly
Displace Palestinians from Gaza
QNN - December 31, 2025
Somalia’s president has warned that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland carries serious risks for Palestinians and regional stability.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Somaliland accepted three conditions in exchange for Israeli recognition.
These include the resettlement of Palestinians in Somaliland. They also include an Israeli military base on the Gulf of Aden coast. The third condition is Somaliland joining the so-called Abraham Accords.
Mohamud described Israel’s move as “unexpected and strange.”
He said no country had recognized Somaliland in more than three decades.
“After 34 years, Israel suddenly jumped in and said it recognizes Somaliland,” he told Al Jazeera in an interview from Istanbul on Tuesday.
Israel last week became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland.
The region broke away from Somalia in 1991 but failed to gain international recognition.
Mohamud said the recognition was not symbolic.
He said it covered “high-stakes Israeli strategic objectives.”
He warned Israel may try to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza to Somalia.
“This will open a box of evils in the world,” he said.
The Somali leader said Israel is trying to export its Gaza problem to the Horn of Africa.
“Israel does not have any peaceful intentions in coming to Somalia,” he said.
He called the move a serious threat that Arabs and Muslims must take seriously.
According to Somali intelligence, there is already an Israeli presence in Somaliland.
Mohamud said the recognition only formalized activities that were already happening secretly.
He also warned that Israel seeks control over key waterways. These include the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Both are vital for global trade and regional security.
Mohamud referred to a 20-point plan released under US President Donald Trump. The plan said no one would be forced to leave Gaza.
However, he said Israel continues to explore ways to expel Palestinians.
He pointed to reports of mysterious flights to South Africa.
The Somali president spoke in Turkiye during a joint appearance with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Both leaders warned the move could destabilize the Horn of Africa.
Israel’s recognition drew swift condemnation. Most UN Security Council members criticized the decision during an emergency meeting in New York.
The United States was the only member to defend Israel’s move. Washington said its position on Somaliland had not changed.
Mohamud dismissed US ambiguity. He said the US clearly supported Somalia’s sovereignty.
Quds News Network (QNN) is the largest independent and comprehensive Palestinian youth electronic news network.
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